Lockhart sat alone in a train compartment, pondering how to make a good impression in his first class. In the original story, he had been ridiculed by the students—so perhaps this time, he should show some real skill.
Just as he was lost in thought, an excited voice interrupted him. A brown-haired girl stepped into the compartment.
"Professor Lockhart! I'm so happy to see you here. I'm Hermione Granger."
Lockhart usually disliked overly enthusiastic female fans, but this girl was different—she was one of the famous trio alongside the Boy Who Lived.
"Miss Granger, a pleasure to meet you. Where is your friend Harry?"
"I'm not sure. He's with the Weasley family."
"Miss Granger, this is my first time teaching. Could you tell me how previous Defense Against the Dark Arts professors conducted their classes? Or rather, what kind of teaching style you students prefer?" Lockhart decided to probe a bit.
Hermione clearly loved answering questions.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts is one of the most popular subjects at Hogwarts. Students all want to learn how to fight Dark Magic. I've heard that after You-Know-Who failed to get this position, he placed a curse on it—every professor can only teach for one year." Her eyes shone with admiration. "But I'm sure you can break the curse, Professor. After all, you're one of the best in the world at dealing with Dark Magic, aren't you?"
"A curse from the Dark Lord? Interesting. But I don't believe he'd waste his efforts on something so trivial. In fact, Miss Granger, I've seen him before. He's not as overwhelmingly powerful as the legends say—what makes him terrifying is his cruel methods and the sheer number of Death Eaters under his command."
And his inability to truly die, Lockhart added silently.
Hermione's eyes sparkled even brighter. "You've seen him? Your experiences are incredible! I wish I could go on adventures with you, Professor."
That wasn't flattery—she genuinely meant it.
"Heh, perhaps after you graduate, Miss Granger, you'll have the chance."
You wouldn't enjoy adventuring with me, he thought. I'd hide behind you and wipe your memory once you finished everything.
"Good heavens, what's that? A flying car!" Hermione suddenly pointed out the window.
Looking outside, Lockhart saw a Muggle car wobbling through the air alongside the train. One figure had been flung halfway out, clinging to the door with his entire body dangling in midair.
"It's Harry! Professor, do something!" Hermione screamed.
Lockhart looked closely—it really was Harry Potter. He drew his wand.
"Stay calm, Miss Granger." He steadied himself, then flicked his wand.
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
Harry's body immediately lifted into the air. Freed from gravity, he easily scrambled back into the car.
"As expected of you, Professor! Even a Levitation Charm looks amazing in your hands! I can barely lift a feather," Hermione said, gazing at him in awe.
"It's nothing. Magical power grows with age. Once you're an adult, you'll be able to do the same with ease."
Lockhart feigned curiosity. "Why aren't Harry and the others taking the train? Are they always this… unconventional? Quite fitting for the Boy Who Lived."
"I don't know. They're always trying to stand out, ignoring school rules—and constantly canceling out the points I earn in class!" Hermione puffed up angrily.
"Boys are like that. They just want to get girls' attention." That part, at least, was true—Lockhart had been just as immature once.
"That's incredibly childish. I prefer someone more mature and steady," Hermione said, sounding like a little adult. "They'll get a harsh lesson someday!"
Lockhart didn't comment. If every student were as precocious as Hermione, he wouldn't stand a chance.
"Professor, tell me about your encounter with You-Know-Who. Why didn't you write a book about it?"
(Because I didn't actually do anything in that battle…)
Now this—this was Lockhart's specialty.
"When I had just graduated from Hogwarts, full of a sense of justice, I took the Auror exam. Of course, it was no challenge for me. I became an Auror, responsible for guarding the Ministry of Magic."
He paused, recalling the terrifying scene.
"Suddenly, the Dark Mark appeared above the Ministry. A large number of Death Eaters attacked. Though the Dark Lord had the upper hand, no one expected them to strike the Ministry directly. The Aurors couldn't just sit back—reinforcements poured in through the Floo Network, and a fierce battle broke out. I was just a rookie then, hiding among the crowd, casting the occasional spell."
"When the Dark Lord himself appeared, the Minister for Magic stepped forward to face him. To be honest, the Dark Lord was an imposing figure, incredibly powerful. The Minister was completely outmatched. Of course, this wasn't a duel—we had the advantage in numbers and terrain. But then… a traitor emerged from our ranks."
"He struck the Minister from behind with the Killing Curse. Although the Minister was wearing a protective vest against such curses, he was still knocked unconscious."
"What's a vest against the Killing Curse? And where was Dumbledore? Isn't he supposed to be very powerful?" Hermione interrupted eagerly.
"A protective vest like that contains small magical creatures sewn inside, which take the curse in place of the wearer. As for Dumbledore—he had been lured away and arrived too late. After the Minister fell, the battle turned into a one-sided slaughter."
"You're Muggle-born, Miss Granger—you can probably imagine a firing squad. Even those vests couldn't withstand the Dark Lord's Killing Curse. One spell, one fallen Auror. Perhaps it was fortunate—he targeted the most outstanding first. The more impressive you were, the more likely you'd draw his attention."
"That's how I survived."
"At that moment, Dumbledore finally arrived through the Floo Network. The Dark Lord was no match for him, especially with the reinforcements he brought. Harry's father, James, even managed to wound the Dark Lord in that battle—but later, the Dark Lord took his revenge… as you know."
"Oh… I see…" Hermione's eyes widened, clearly saddened for Harry's parents.
"But the miraculous Harry Potter avenged his father on the spot!" Lockhart added. "After the Dark Lord disappeared, the Ministry no longer needed so many Aurors. I resigned and began my adventures—and that's where the stories in my books come from."
By now, students had crowded both inside and outside the compartment, all listening intently.
"Alright, students, it's time to get off. The Dark Lord won't be returning anytime soon. If you're interested in my other adventures, feel free to buy my books—or look forward to this term's Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. I'll teach you how to deal with all kinds of Dark Magic and dark creatures!"